Why do you need compact powder any way? 1. Compact powder keeps the grease off and the glow on your makeup 2. Compact powder helps the foundation set and not run into lines and edges off your face 3. Compact powder acts as a great lasting base for blushers, bronzers and shimmers 4. Compact powder helps set creamy makeup to last longer But one compact powder does not suit all. You should choose yours based on your skin tone and your skin type. How to choose the right compact powder for your skin tone 1. To match your compact powder to your skin tone, test it on your cheek or jawbone. Never on your hands. 2. Blend your chosen compact powder into your skin to make sure the shade remains the same even after it. 3. Choose a yellow based shade if your skin tone is fair. This will make you glow and not look chalky. 4. Choose a copper-based shade if your skin tone is tan. This will make your complexion look brighter. 5. Choose an apricot based shade if your skin tone is medium. This will prevent your complexion from looking darker. 6. If your skin tone is dark, choose your compact shade very carefully. Take into consideration the undertone of your skin while trying out various shades to see which suits you best. How to choose the right compact powder for your skin type For oily skin Choose a compact powder that has added oil control and an extra matte finish. Don’t use those that enhance radiance or glow, enough of which you already have. Also, look for compact powders that are waterproof and hence sweat proof. Some other things to do to help your compact powder work better is to apply an extra layer on your T-zone and using a primer under it. For dry skin Choose a compact powder that is oil-based. Go for a translucent type of compact in order to make your skin look less flaky. Avoid a matte finish powder. Some other things to do to help your compact powder work better is to start with moisturisation, not use too many layers of foundation, and using less compact on your T-zone. For sensitive skin Choose a compact powder that is mineral-based. Make sure it does not have waxes, oils, fragrances or preservatives on its ingredients list. If you find words like non-acnegenic or non-comedogenic on the pack, all the better. Choose carefully, and test-try on a patch of skin before using it on your whole...

Exfoliation No, we did not give the secret away yet. It’s not just exfoliation that makes all the difference to your skin and hence your makeup. While exfoliation is the process of removing dead and dry skin cells from the top of your skin, the secret lies in how and when you do it. Just buying an exfoliator off the counter, or making one at home does not do the trick. Here is what you need to know to make it work best for you. Understand first how exfoliation helps your skin It removes dry dead skin. It unclogs pores. It cleans the skin of residual makeup and dirt. It makes your skin less prone to infections, pimples and acne. It makes your skin glow. Choose the right Exfoliator for your purpose Choose a physical exfoliator or a chemical exfoliator according to your skin type and need of the day. A physical exfoliator is great for quick spot treatments. It works through the mechanical process of gently abrasing your skin so the flaky layer of dead skin comes off. They come in the form of scrubs, masks or even as simple sugar granules. When choosing physical exfoliators opt for natural ones and not the synthetic ones. A chemical exfoliator is good for more heavy duty exfoliation with more professional results. Chemical exfoliators work by making chemicals do the hard work of taking the dead cells off your skin as opposed to physical rubbing. Again while choosing to opt for those with natural ingredients. Now for the secrets! Do not scrub too hard Don’t assume that the harder you scrub the more the dead skin cells will be removed. It will result in a lot more things which you would not want. Your skin would get dry. It would strip the lipid barrier of your skin. It would get inflamed and red. It would lose its softness and its gentle texture. Do it moderately just enough to take the dead cells off. With a soft cloth applied in gentle circular motions. Exfoliation is great for sensitive skin While many treatments cannot be done by people with sensitive skin, exfoliation is something they will actually benefit from. This is because the exfoliating process not only clears away dead skin cells but also cleans out pores, hydrates and removes foreign matter and thus lead to fewer chances of infections and breakouts. Do not exfoliate more than once a week While you need to exfoliate regularly, it does not mean you do it every day. This will make your skin too dry and harsh. If your skin is oily you might consider exfoliating...

Smokey eyes are, just as they are named, hot and how! Sultry, sensuous and sizzling, it’s always a success anywhere. But while the smokey eyes look is sophisticated, achieving it could be simple! Sure you could go the longer route by using the ‘right’ things like an array or eyeshadows, brushes, moisturiser and what not. Or you could get simply lovely smokey eyes using just a kajal. Here’s how you do it. First draw a thin line of kajal on the insides of your lower eyelash line. Turn the kajal over and use its blunt end to smudge it a bit. Next draw a thicker line along your upper eyelash line. Again use the blunt end of the brush to smudge it out. Lastly put a few dots of kajal on your eyelids. Use your finger to blend it into your brows on one side and the smudged kajal below. And you are ready to sizzle....